King cancels engagements after ‘temporary side effects’ from cancer treatment

The King has cancelled engagements on Friday due to “temporary side effects” from his cancer treatment.

Buckingham Palace said after “scheduled and ongoing medical treatment for cancer” on Thursday morning, the King “experienced temporary side effects that required a short period of observation in hospital”.

“His Majesty’s afternoon engagements were therefore postponed,” the statement added.

It said the 76-year-old was now back at Clarence House but “as a precautionary measure, acting on medical advice, tomorrow’s diary programme will also be rescheduled”.

“His Majesty would like to send his apologies to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result,” the palace said.

Sky’s royal correspondent Laura Bundock said we are being “advised this isn’t a major problem in terms of his ongoing recovery”. A source also described it as a “most minor bump in a road that is very much heading in the right direction”.

The King revealed in February 2024 that he had been diagnosed with cancer and was beginning a course of treatment.

The form of cancer has not been made public.

In December, sources suggested his treatment would continue into the New Year but said it had been “moving in a positive direction”.

He returned to public duties in April last year despite having weekly treatment.

Following the side effects, the King had to postpone audiences with ambassadors on Thursday afternoon – and was due to visit Birmingham on Friday.

The palace said he was “greatly disappointed” to have to miss the trip but it’s hoped it can be rescheduled.

The royal couple are also set for a state visit to Italy in just over a week’s time.

On Wednesday, the King was at London’s Somerset House, where he unveiled a plaque, and hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace in the evening.

Last week, the royals also made a three-day visit to Northern Ireland.

Royal commentator Alastair Bruce told Sky News the King was on good form earlier this week.

“Literally two days ago I was standing in front of him when he invested me with some insignia that I received in the New Year’s Honours and I had a fantastic conversation with him,” he said.

“He was standing there for about an hour and a half, handing out honours and awards. He is maintaining as best he can all the challenges and tasks his role requires.”